Key Highlights

• A detailed overview of the coffee market and top coffee exporters in India.

• The Indian coffee export business amounted to $2.14 billion during 2024-2025.

• The HS codes for coffee are 0901 and 2101.

• Top  coffee exporters in India are Olam Food Ingredients India Pvt. Ltd., CCL Products India Ltd. and Louis Dreyfus Company India Pvt. Ltd.

• Top global destinations for coffee exporters are Italy, Germany, and the United States.

I still remember the mornings as a teenager waking up to my aunt's call for coffee during the Christmas vacation. The aroma filled the house with energy. That cup of coffee was more than a beverage; it was a cup of happiness. Even today, the cup of coffee has the same calm, warmth, and energy. Over the years, the warmth of Indian coffee has been brewed internationally. The Indian coffee exporters have secured a stable position in the global market.

 

Market Trends and Coffee Exporters in India

The coffee market has evolved over the years with the changing choices of consumers. The demand for ready-to-drink coffee has increased along with the hustled lifestyle of the consumers. Prioritising a health-conscious life above taste has led to consumers' demand for sustainably and ethically sourced coffee. There is also a substantial demand for healthier options in coffee, majorly the adaptogenic variants that promote a stress-free lifestyle.

The market has witnessed a rise in the coffee culture with increasing demand. Additionally, digitalisation and aggressive growth of quick commerce and e-commerce platforms have increased sales in the direct-to-consumer model. India is a significant player in the coffee export market. The coffee export of India amounted to $2.14 billion during 2024-2025.

Top 10 Coffee Exporters Fueling Coffee Exports In India

 

Olam Food Ingredients India Pvt. Ltd., which holds the highest stake in the company at 8.17%; CCL Products India Ltd. at 7.51%; and Louis Dreyfus Company India Pvt. Ltd. at 6.75%. Other leading Indian coffee exporters in the global market are Vidya Herbs Pvt. Ltd (6.06%), Allana Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd (5.79%), NKG India Coffee Pvt. Ltd (5.33%), Tata Consumer Products Ltd (5.04%), Ecom Commodities India Pvt. Ltd (4.76%), Indus Coffee Pvt. Ltd (4.28%), and Nedcommodities India Pvt. Ltd (3.77%). The remaining 42.55% of the market share of Indian coffee exports, and "Others", is the largest single category, indicating the presence of SMEs besides a few leading players.

Are You Curious about the Biggest Coffee Exporter across the Globe?

Vietnam is the biggest coffee exporter in the world. The growth of coffee exports in Vietnam is driven by its high production of the Robusta coffee variant, strategic export markets, diverse coffee products, and aggressive focus towards ethical coffee sourcing methods. The other top global coffee exporters include Colombia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Uganda, while India ranks 4th among the top global coffee exporters.

Are the coffee export markets evolving with the dynamic consumer demand?

The coffee export market has been evolving with the growing demand of the consumers. Variants in packaging (ready to serve) and serving (espresso and brewed), along with preparation methods (pour over and French press) and sourcing methods (fair trade and environment), have changed over the years in sync with the consumer choices.

In order to meet the growing health-conscious consumer demands, the coffee exporter blends coffee with variants of healthy plants or herbs. These blends add health benefits to the coffee powder. One of India’s top herbal plants used to blend coffee is chicory. India leads globally in the chicory export business. It is a plant whose leaves are dried, roasted and added to coffee to add flavour, reduce caffeine, and lower costs. It is also used as a healthy substitute for coffee. Additionally, herbal plants like mushrooms, ashwagandha, lion's mane, and cordyceps are added to coffee to reduce stress and help focus.

In A Nutshell

The Indian coffee export market has been evolving by meeting the demand of the modern consumers. The coffee exporter business is driven by consumer choices, competitive prices, and the fine quality of coffee. As per trade export data, India's total exports increased by a significant 28.14% year over year, from $1.67 billion in 2023–2024 to $2.14 billion in 2024–2025.

Coffee export is a growing market. To stabilise the coffee export business or expand it, one needs to track the global market. Ease of trade access and other government initiatives will drive the expansion of coffee exports. If you aim to leverage the government initiatives and grow your coffee export, you can start by regularly monitoring the market trends. Analyse competitor moves and reach out to verified buyers through the Ex-Im application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I start exporting coffee?
You can start a coffee export business by registering your companies and obtaining the required certificates (IEC/PAN/FSSAI/RCMCGST, etc.). Further track market trends and reach out to verified buyers through the Ex-Im application.
 

2. Which state is a major exporter of coffee in India?
Karnataka is the major exporter of coffee in India. Favourable climate and fertile soil are the key drivers of high coffee production in Karnataka. It contributes to more than 50% of the nation's coffee production.
 

3. Is shade-grown coffee better?
Yes, shade-grown coffee is considered better for its taste and ethical sourcing method.

4. Which are the top 5 global destinations for coffee exporters?The United States, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Belgium are the top 5 global destinations for Indian coffee exporters.

5. Does India import coffee?
Yes, India imports coffee, mainly raw beans, to meet the consumers' demand for specific coffee that's not grown domestically and their evolving preference for international coffee variants.

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